Kailash Mansarovar yatra: Sikkim Guv flags off first batch; ITBP deployed for safety

Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, on June 20, flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025, marking the resumption of the sacred journey after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first batch of yatris (pilgrims) was flagged off today from the Indo-China border point at Nathula in East Sikkim, marking a historic moment for everyone present.
 

Amid risk of weather and transportation hurdles, each batch will be accompanied by two ITBP personnel.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Mathur reaffirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made. 

He told reporters, “It is my good fortune that after five years, I got the opportunity to flag off this holy journey. The central government was keen to resume the yatra as soon as possible. This pilgrimage will continue till August, and all devotees should take care of their health.”
 

Sikkim’s Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, T.T. Bhutia, personally addressed the pilgrims before their departure. Speaking at the flag-off event, he said, “Good morning to all of you. With folded hands, I greet you all. Today, we are standing here at Nathula, the China border in Sikkim. After a long gap of five years, a historic moment is about to take place. People from all corners of India devotees and pilgrims who are ready for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, are going to be part of the first batch departing today from Nathula Gate.”

He further added that the yatra had been suspended mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other reasons. “But today, the first batch is finally beginning its journey. Once this batch completes the trip, the next batch will be prepared. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation is doing everything possible to make this pilgrimage a grand success. We warmly welcome all the pilgrims and devotees who are coming for this yatra,” he said.
 

The arrangements made for the yatra have been widely praised by the pilgrims and officials alike. A liaison officer who is accompanying the group expressed his satisfaction with the preparations made by both the Sikkim government and the Uttar Pradesh government.
 

“We had excellent arrangements made for us in Gangtok, 17 Mile, and Siratha. The government of Sikkim really took care of everything, and we are very happy and satisfied. Now that we are crossing over to the other side, we believe that the yatra is truly starting. The yatris are very, very excited,” the liaison officer said.
 

He also emphasized the seriousness of his responsibility. “It is a big responsibility. There are yatris of different age groups—from 21 to people who are approaching 70. I am briefing them on clothing, movement in high altitudes, and general precautions. Everyone is well-equipped with warm clothing like body warmers, jackets, shoes, socks, and headgear. We are hopeful that all yatris will complete the yatra successfully.”
 

The batch also has medical support. “We have a doctor going with us, carrying essential medicines. Yatris are already taking their own prescribed medicines, and we even have three to four doctors among the yatris. So, we are well-prepared on that front,” he said.
 

For most of the yatris, this is their first visit to Kailash Mansarovar, and emotions are running high. One of the pilgrims, when asked about expectations, simply said, “We don’t have any specific expectations, Sir. We are going for our spiritual liberation. This is a dream we’ve long cherished, and now it’s finally coming true.”
 

He added, “This is the first time we are going. We would like to thank the Government of India for the facilities. Here in Sikkim, the government has welcomed us warmly. We got good food, accommodation, and transport everything is well-arranged.”
 

Speaking about spending 11 days in Tibet, he said, “We have only heard of Tibet. We have never been there. Let’s see once we return, we will be able to tell more. But we believe God will be with us. Har Har Mahadev is awaiting us.”
 

Another yatri said, “I’m really looking forward to this journey. We started from Delhi on June 11, reached Gangtok on June 15, and have been staying here since. The day has come now—we are crossing into the Tibetan region. I’m going to gather blessings from Lord Shiva at Kailash Mansarovar and bring it back for the prosperity of the entire country.”
 

He added that the preparation has been more spiritual than physical. “This is a spiritual journey more than anything else. I have prepared myself mentally and spiritually. The ITBP helped us with acclimatization. The Sikkim government and STDC have also helped a lot in getting us ready. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to make this journey.”
 

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathula was stopped in 2019 due to the global outbreak of COVID-19. The reopening of this route is not just about physical access but also a symbolic step towards spiritual reconnection for thousands of devotees. The route via Nathula is considered easier and shorter compared to the Lipulekh route in Uttarakhand, especially for elderly yatris.
 

The Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), along with Indian officials, the ITBP, and local administration, have taken every possible step to ensure that pilgrims feel safe, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilled.
 

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, considered one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism, resumes from the Nathu La pass route in Sikkim, offering a shorter and more accessible alternative to the traditional Lipulekh route in Uttarakhand. The second batch of pilgrims is scheduled to depart soon.